Ben Folds returns with new album, tour includes Ryman concert

It's been nearly eight years since we've heard a new album from Ben Folds — to really rub it in, that's about as long as the original run of his former band, Ben Folds Five.

That's not to say the Nashville-based singer/songwriter hasn't had his hands full. He released a memoir (2019's "A Dream About Lightning Bugs"), became artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra and composed numerous pieces for stage and screen, including an Emmy-nominated theme for a "Charlie Brown" TV special.

But this year, Folds is getting back behind the piano and microphone with a new album — "What Matters Most," out June 2 via New West Records — and a year-spanning tour of the U.S. and Europe.

"What Matters Most" was made in East Nashville with co-producer Joe Pisapia, who also helmed Ben Folds Five's 2012 reunion LP. It also features contributions by Ruby Amanfu, dodie and Tall Heights.

Folds shared one of "Most's" tracks on Wednesday: the radiant "Winslow Gardens," which sounds partially inspired by his experience during the pandemic. Folds was touring Australia in March of 2020, and after his dates were canceled, he ended up living in Sydney for a year.

"Some trips just go one way," he sings over pounding piano chords. "...Just when plans are made/ You find you've started all over again."

"What Matters Most" is actually Folds' first proper solo album since 2008's "Way To Normal." His last, 2015's "So There," was comprised of collaborations with chamber pop group yMusic and the Nashville Symphony.

Folds' 2023 tour includes a June 27 stop at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, February 17.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Ben Folds returns with new album, tour includes Ryman concert